Parent nominated candidates

Kia ora koutou,

I am a proud hearing mother of a Deaf child with bilateral cochlear implants. Our whānau has journeyed through mainstream education while ensuring New Zealand Sign Language remains a strong foundation of my daughter’s culture and identity. This has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Deaf and hard of hearing children in education today.

I have previously served on the Board of Ko Taku Reo and would be honoured to contribute again. I believe I have more to offer, drawing on both my lived experience as a parent and my professional background as a mainstream primary trained teacher. I understand first-hand the complexities of navigating mainstream schools, advocating for inclusion, and ensuring Deaf learners are supported to thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

I am passionate about creating a future where our tamariki have genuine choices. I believe strongly that Deaf and hard of hearing children should never feel limited in who they can be or what they can achieve. With the right support, they can flourish in whatever pathways they choose—whether that be through spoken language, NZSL, or a combination of both.

If elected, I would bring a balanced perspective as both an educator and a parent, committed to strengthening communication between whānau, schools, and Ko Taku Reo. My focus will be on ensuring that every child has access to the resources, role models, and opportunities they need to succeed while celebrating Deaf culture and identity.

I am committed to working alongside others to build a future where our children feel empowered, supported, and limitless in their potential.

Ngā mihi nui
Katya

I am a parent with a child with low vision. I am also passionate about advocating for the needs of young people. I hope to be able to make valuable contributions to the board using my passion and personal experience of caring for a child with low vision needs.

Thank you
Dorothy

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Helen Christianson (MacKay) tōku ingoa. I am the proud parent of two amazing young adults, one Deaf and one hearing. I live in Te Whanganui-a-Tara with my husband and our energetic dog.

My Deaf daughter attended mainstream schooling, graduating in 2023. She accessed her education through a qualified New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter, with regular contact from several outstanding Resource Teachers of the Deaf. For over a decade I have been actively involved in deaf education, locally and nationally - as a parent and through parent organisations. I am unafraid to ask probing questions.

I am deeply committed to bilingual education; ensuring Deaf children have early, full, and rich access to language, including NZSL, and supporting whānau to nurture their children’s learning.

Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand (KTR), as the sole provider of education services for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children in Aotearoa, has both unique responsibilities and opportunities. It is a small but important enrolled school across multiple sites, as well as a large national service organisation. With many DHH children achieving below curriculum standards, KTR must focus on removing barriers and preventing new ones.

High-trust, respectful relationships are the core of an effective school. They are critical to improving outcomes for our children, managing change, and building a culture that connects whānau, staff, and community. All children must see themselves reflected in their education, and know that their languages, cultures, and identities are celebrated so they can thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Professionally, I bring strong business experience. I held senior leadership roles as a Managing Director at a European investment bank, leading business and technology transformation programmes working in complex, international teams. More recently, I co-owned an accommodation business. Closer to home I have worked as an NZQA supervisor and exam assistant.

While legislation defines the requirements of a board, and the school must operate within resource set by the Ministry, I believe the Board must:

• Govern with representation and best-practise meeting accessibility, modelling authentic inclusion
• Challenge bias, remove barriers, and work in partnership with whānau, wider communities, and government
• Operate with cultural safety at the forefront, and a future-focused lens

This is a pivotal moment as we welcome a new Principal during a time of wider education change. It would be an honour to serve on the Board. Please feel free to kōrero with me.

Ngā mihi nui

Spoken statement

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Jarrod Dodd, and I am standing for election to the Ko Taku Reo Parent Board.

I am the father of four tamariki, two of whom are hearing impaired. Their diagnosis came late, when they were already in their early teens. By then, they had slipped through the system in ways that deeply affected their learning, their confidence, and their opportunities. This personal experience has given me a strong drive to advocate for tamariki and whānau so that others do not have to go through the same journey.

I bring more than thirty years of experience in Māori media, education, and governance. I currently serve as Station Manager for iwi and community radio stations, and I also hold governance roles in kura kaupapa and community trusts. These roles have strengthened my understanding of how boards can best serve their communities, how to balance accountability with vision, and how to ensure decisions are made with integrity and care.

What I can bring to the Ko Taku Reo Board is a combination of lived experience as a parent, governance experience in education, and a commitment to equity. I believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their learning. For deaf and hard of hearing tamariki, this means having access to resources, pathways, and opportunities that reflect their potential rather than their limitations.

If elected, I will work to ensure that:

• Whānau voices are at the centre of decision making.
• Systems are responsive, so no child slips through unseen.
• Resources and support are provided early and consistently.
• Cultural values, including te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, are upheld across the learning journey.

I believe Ko Taku Reo plays a critical role in shaping a future where our children are confident, capable, and proud of who they are. It would be an honour to contribute to that vision as a parent representative.

Ngā mihi nui,
Jarrod Dodd

My name is Adrian Easton and I am putting myself forward for election to the Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand Parent Board. I am looking for election as a parent of two hearing-impaired children and someone deeply committed to ensuring every child receives the education and opportunities they deserve.

My passion for equity and inclusion has been shaped both personally and through my leadership experience. For three years I served two years as the Students’ Disability Representative then one as the chairperson on the Ara Students’ Association. In this role I worked closely with students, staff, and the wider community to advocate for fair access, support services, and genuine participation for those with disabilities. This experience taught me the importance of listening to diverse voices, finding practical solutions, and ensuring decisions made at the governance level have a positive and meaningful impact on learners and their families.

As a parent, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. I understand the importance of communication, connection, and community in supporting our tamariki to thrive. I also know how critical it is for families to feel represented, heard, and supported by their school board.

If elected, I will bring:

• A strong voice for equality, ensuring that no child is left behind.
• Proven governance and leadership skills.
• A collaborative approach, working alongside fellow board members, teachers, and parents to build on Ko Taku Reo’s vision.
• A commitment to transparency, advocacy, and practical action to improve outcomes for all students.

People who know me will tell you that I am determined, fair, and always ready to stand up for what is right. I will bring this same energy and commitment to the board, working to ensure that every child at Ko Taku Reo has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

This election is a chance for parents to shape the direction of our school and strengthen the future for our children. I would be honoured to represent you and your whānau on the Parent Board. Together, we can ensure Ko Taku Reo continues to be a place where equity, opportunity, and success are at the heart of everything we do.

Kia ora, my name is Oliver Ferguson.

I am Deaf and a native NZSL user. I work as a Visual Effects Technical Director at Weta FX and am a proud father of three children—our eldest and youngest are Deaf, and our middle child is hearing. Our children represent the third generation of the Ferguson family to attend Deaf schools in Aotearoa: my father attended Sumner School for the Deaf, and I was educated at van Asch and Linwood College.

Currently, our son is enrolled in the Ko Taku Reo Linden Provision here in Wellington, and our daughter attended van Asch pre-school and local mainstream schools. Through this, I’ve gained first-hand experience parenting Deaf children in both enrolled and itinerant services.

I am standing for the Ko Taku Reo Board because I understand the vital role a strong, connected Deaf school plays in the lives of deaf learners and their whānau. I believe that when Deaf learners and their families feel valued and supported, their potential can truly be realised.

I bring significant governance experience to this role. I previously served as a parent representative on the Combined Board of the two Deaf Education Centres before the formation of Ko Taku Reo. I also served for 11 years on the Deaf Aotearoa Executive Board, including 5 years as President, and was a member of the Ministry of Education’s NZSL Sector Advisory Group.

I am committed to bringing a parent perspective to the governance of the school, making sure that Board decisions keep students’ learning and wellbeing at the centre, and that families’ perspectives are considered when the school is planning for the future. I value clear communication, collaborative partnerships, and accessible education environments where deaf learners can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

I am passionate about helping Ko Taku Reo grow as a strong Deaf school, delivering high-quality, accessible education and support for all deaf learners and their whānau across Aotearoa.

Thank you,
Oliver Ferguson

Kia ora koutou,

Ko Helen Johnson ahau. I am standing for election to our School Board Ko Taku Reo because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As a parent of four tamariki, one of whom is deaf, I know the importance of ensuring our kura is inclusive, supportive, and committed to meeting the diverse needs of every learner. I currently serve as a Learning Assistant, Board member of Pukenui School Te Kuiti and Cultural Lead, past presiding member and board member of other school board since 2016 roles that have strengthened my skills in governance, leadership, and community engagement. These experiences have given me insight into both the governance and day-to-day realities of supporting tamariki, kaiako, and whānau. I am passionate about student wellbeing, achievement, and equity, and I believe every child should have the chance to thrive regardless of their circumstances. I am married to Jade Johnson, from Te Poho o Maniapoto, and together we are raising our children with strong values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kotahitanga. These values guide my approach to service and leadership. Upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important to me, and I am committed to strengthening bicultural practice while celebrating the diversity of our wider school community.

If elected to the Board, I will focus on:

• Ensuring every child has access to quality teaching and support that meets their learning needs.
• Promoting student wellbeing and inclusion, especially for learners with additional needs.
• Strengthening partnerships between the Board, whānau, staff, and community.
• Supporting responsible financial management to protect and grow resources for our kura.
• Advocating for culturally responsive, future-focused learning that prepares our tamariki for the challenges ahead.

I bring energy, commitment, and a collaborative mindset. I am confident in asking the hard questions while also listening carefully and working alongside others to find solutions. My approach is always centred on what will best serve our tamariki.I would be honoured to serve our school community as a Board member. With the combination of my personal experience as a parent, professional skills as a Learning Assistant and Presiding Member, and cultural leadership within our community, I believe I can make a strong and positive contribution to the future direction of our kura.

Ngā mihi nui,

Helen Johnson

Ko Tararua te māunga
Ko Ruamahanga te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Hoani Rangitakaiwaho tōku tīpuna
Ko Ngati Kahungunu Wairarapa’ tōku iwi
Ko Papawai tōku marae
Ko Natalie Makeef tōku ingoa
Kia ora, Fakaalofa lahi atu,

My name is Natalie Makeef, and I am proud of my Māori and Niuean heritage. I live in Glen Eden with my husband, David, and our 16-year-old daughter, Izabella. Izabella’s learning journey has been closely connected with Ko Taku Reo – from her time at KDEC Preschool and the Kelston Primary KDEC Unit to now attending Kelston Girls’ College with the support of a Resource Teacher of the Deaf. My husband, David, is also strongly connected to local schools in Kelston, having served on several school boards.

I hold a Master of Contemporary Education and a Bachelor of Education, and I currently teach at Kelston Intermediate, where I have been working closely with the Ko Taku Reo unit on-site. Beyond the classroom, I am deeply involved in our community – and would bring governance experience from serving as Chairperson for the Glen Eden Community House Committee and Deputy Chairperson for the Kelston Community Trust. I also spent over five years volunteering with the Kelston Community Hub, including two years as Board Secretary.

I am passionate about creating opportunities that enhance the well-being of children, young people, and their whānau. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and would welcome the chance to contribute to decision-making that delivers meaningful services, programmes, and projects for our community. I bring a unique mix of experience as a Mother of a hearing-impaired daughter, as well as an educator working alongside hearing-impaired staff and students, to the many challenges faced by our Deaf and Hearing Impaired community.

Ngā mihi,
Natalie Makeef

Kia ora,

My name is Megan Mansfield, and I am standing for election to the Board of Trustees. I am passionate about ensuring that our Deaf children – including our Māori tamariki and rangatahi – have the very best opportunities to succeed, both in their learning and in their lives.

I bring 40 years of experience in working alongside the Deaf community as an Interpreter and teacher of the Deaf. I have, albeit a number of years ago, been a Staff rep on the board of Kelston Deaf Education Centre and served on the SLIANZ (Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand) board. Over that time I have seen both the challenges and the successes that Deaf students and their whānau experience and I want to use that knowledge to help guide the future of Ko Taku Reo. I have worked closely with Deaf adults, youth, and children, and I understand the importance of strong communication and access in education.

If elected, my focus will be:

• Supporting a high-quality education that values New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and Deaf culture.
• Ensuring students have a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive and be proud of who they are.
• Building strong connections between the school, families, and the wider community.
• Advocating for resources, opportunities and pathways that prepare our students for a positive future.
• Promoting NZSL, Deaf identity and Te Ao Māori as central to our school values

Most of all, I care deeply about our students being seen, heard and celebrated for who they are. I would be honoured to bring my experience and commitment to the Board and to work together for the success of our tamariki and rangitahi.

Ngā mihi nui,
Megan Mansfield

I have three decades of experience in various leadership roles in the Deaf and disability communities and management experience in NGOs and government. This has provided me with expertise and proficiency in strategic development, implementation and monitoring; and in organisational structure and capability. I would now like to offer my skills and experience to the new Ko Taku Reo Board.

Deaf from the age of four and raised with an older deaf brother in a family who instilled in us a high value on education. I gained a masters degree in mental health counselling from Gallaudet University, USA. I have strong management skills from working across NGOs and government agencies. I have led highly effective teams successfully delivering on work programmes; managing challenging human resource issues and building organisational capabilities on deaf and disability issues. The governance experience I would bring includes that I was the Ministerial appointed inaugural Chairperson of the Government’s New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board where I led the Board in the development of the first NZSL Strategy. This role also involved overseeing the annual allocation of $1.2 million. I am currently an elected member of the World Federation of the Deaf Board serving my second term. Working at the Government's then Office for Disability Issues I was the key advisor in the four-year development of the NZSL Bill seeing it through each stage through to its passing into law in 2006. I bring a strong understanding of human rights and their application to policy and practice through working as a Disability Advisor at the Human Rights Commission and with the Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) Coalition. At the Human Rights Commission I led the formal inquiry into language rights for deaf people with the resulting report leading directly to the government funding the establishment of the NZSL Board and Deaf Aotearoa’s First Signs service. For the DPO Coalition I wrote their first report to the United Nations on New Zealand’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and was then chosen to speak to this report at the United Nations in Geneva. The Deaf community gave me the gift of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) that has enabled me to achieve my aspirations, both personally and professionally. As a Ko Taku Reo Board member I would work to ensure all deaf children in New Zealand are enabled to achieve their dreams.

Kia ora koutou

It is pleasing to see the Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand Board of Trustees is being reestablished. Back in the 2000’s I was the staff representative on the Kelston Deaf Education Board when early discussions emerged around forming one national Deaf Education Centre. The intention was to bring the best Kelston and van Asch Deaf Education Centres together to create a service that was responsive to the students, whanau and staff members. It was about maximising opportunities for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing people to access the curriculum and to participate in the learning process within their education setting. Great work has begun, yet we have so much more to do.

I’m committed to this vision and in supporting the new Chief Executive. After attending Otago University I trained as a High School teacher in Wellington. I had a short stint as an RTD; however, I was not able to join Deaf Education until I had completed two years of mainstream teaching. I taught in Wainuiomata College for two years after making it clear that I could not teach like a hearing teacher but that I can teach.

All my students were hearing and were successful with their external examinations. This proves that Deaf/deaf and hard of hearing people, people of the eye, do navigate the world visually and we must make sure this is possible. After qualifying I then taught within Kelston Deaf Education Centre, delivered in-service training through the regions and became the Corporate Planner to work closely with the Principal to ensure a bilingual/bicultural approach was used across all decision-making processes. I attended several International Deaf Education Conferences. After holding a variety of leadership roles within the Deaf and Disability community I hold a national leadership position within Health NZ. With my team we focus on creating inclusive and accessible health services for disabled people (including D/deaf & Hard of Hearing people). We do this work by focusing on building systems, training staff and creating effective processes and practices. It doesn’t happen overnight but when grounded in Te Tiritio Waitangi, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and in the NZSL Act it brings a sense of ‘this is how it can be’. This is what I want to see happen in KTR so the students are well prepared for life beyond school.

I’m first and foremost a mum to two wonderful little people, one of whom has hearing loss and other learning needs. Walking alongside him on his learning journey has opened my eyes to the incredible mahi and dedication of those who support our tamariki and their whānau. Our family has felt the impact of that support and I’m deeply grateful for it. Alongside this personal journey, I’ve spent more than 25 years working in education. I’ve been a classroom teacher in NZ and abroad, a consultant, Special Educational Needs Coordinator and now serve as a school principal. These roles have taught me the value of truly inclusive practice, of listening to families, and of balancing compassion with the practical realities of running a school.

I would be honoured to give back some of what our whānau has received by serving on the Ko Taku Reo Board, bringing both my personal experience and my professional knowledge to help ensure all tamariki can thrive.

Kia ora,

My name is Patrick Stokell.

I come from a family of five, all of whom are hearing. I was born Deaf, and today I’m proud to have my own family of five—my wife and our three boys aged 28, 15 (soon to be 16), and 9. Our youngest son is currently enrolled in the Wharenui Provision in Christchurch. I grew up attending mainstream schools, Deaf schools, and Deaf Provision settings. I know firsthand what it was like to navigate education as a Deaf child. I have also walked alongside my own child through his education journey and have seen the barriers that still exist today. These barriers must be removed. Parents shouldn’t have to fight for their children to receive the support they need—access and inclusion should be a given, not a battle.

I am standing for the Ko Tahu Reo school board as a parent representative and as someone with lived experience as a Deaf person. I believe strongly in the importance of representation and advocacy for our Turi Tamariki—Deaf children—within the education system. My goal is to be a voice for our Deaf learners, to ensure their needs are heard and met in the classroom, and to help foster an environment that embraces and supports New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). I want our schools to be places where Deaf children feel seen, understood, and empowered. One of my key aspirations is to help establish a Year 7–8 Deaf Provision at Hillmorton High School in Christchurch. These intermediate years are a critical time for Deaf students to transition smoothly into high school, and I believe having a dedicated provision will make a meaningful difference in their educational journey. As we work to improve Deaf education at Hillmorton, I also want to look at other Deaf Provisions across Aotearoa New Zealand to see how we can align and strengthen them. Every Deaf child deserves consistent, high-quality support and access to NZSL-friendly environments. I’m committed to working alongside whānau, educators, and the wider community to build inclusive, empowering spaces where our Deaf tamariki can thrive.

Ngā mihi nui,

Patrick Stokell

Tēnā koutou e te iwi o Ko Taku ReoKo Tokatoka tōku maunga, Ko Wairoa tōku awa, Ko Mahuhu ki te rangi tōku wakaKo Ngāti Whātua, ko

Ngāpuhi ōku iwi Ko Jen Smith tēnei. Ko tōku reo, ko tōku ohooho. My language is my awakening.

This whakataukī reflects both my personal and professional journey as a Hard of Hearing Māori educator, a lifelong advocate for language, and a strong supporter of Deaf education in Aotearoa. I acknowledge that I am not a parent. However, I was previously co-opted onto the Ko Taku Reo Board for my skills and experience in education, and I have continued to contribute to the organisation in this capacity.

My motivation to stand again comes from a deep commitment to all Deaf learners, and particularly to Māori learners, who make up a high proportion of our kura. I hold a Master’s degree in Hōaka Pounamu: Bilingual and Immersion Teaching, currently finishing my doctorate in Education. Previously a Primary school teacher, I am now a Senior Lecturer at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in the Faculty of Education. In these roles I support teachers to embrace culturally inclusive practice, ensuring that all learners are affirmed in their identity, language, and culture. I have a genetic hearing impairment. I am a bilingual learner in te reo Māori and English, and I also rely on lip reading, sign and a hearing aide to support me. These lived experiences give me a deep understanding of what it means to navigate the education system as hearing-impaired, and they reinforce my commitment to equity, accessibility, and cultural safety. If elected, I would continue to support Ko Taku Reo with:

• Governance experience, including prior service with Ko Taku Reo and from other boards.
• Educational expertise in education, bilingualism, and immersion pathways.
• Lived experience as a hearing-impaired Māori professional.
• Commitment to our community at Ko Taku Reo, for all Deaf learners and their whānau, with a strong focus on quality education.

Ko tōku reo, ko tōku ohooho.

Our reo is our awakening, our strength, and our future. I would be honoured to continue serving Ko Taku Reo, bringing my skills, experience, and passion to this kaupapa. If I am unsuccessful, I hope to be co-opted onto the board, as I was last time, to continue to support this important mahi.

Nāhaku, nā Jennifer Smith

Kia ora

Ko Pane Timiiti tāku ingoa, e noho maatou ki Manurewa ngaa tau waru.

We have lived in Manurewa for 8 years now. I am married and we are raising four mokopuna. 2 go to Finlayson Park School Te Huringa Ruumaki Reo and 2 attend James Cook High School.

I haven't had any School board experience, but I am a quick learner and willing to learn.

Mihi nunui

Pane